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5 comments on “Wet Black Ant – Nymph Pattern”

Finally picked up a copy of “Hatches” and really think the article is well written and covers Traditional Wet Flies as only you can!!! Be sure to keep us posted, as to your schedule, this upcoming “Tying Season”.

Hi Bruce;
Sure thing—it’s real easy, but time-consuming. This pattern was presented in Bergman’s book, With Fly, Plug, and Bait, 1947. According to notes therein the body is built up with thread and lacquered as you go in several stages. I make the whole body at once and apply head cement at the end. Even on a #12 wet fly hook, I use Danville monocord or 6/0 Flymaster Plus to build the bulk faster. Otherwise with 6/0 Flymaster it takes a while. I use 2 – 3 coats of Wapsi Gloss Coat on the body, and then a final coat of black Pro Lak.
You’ll find applying the additional coats on these bodies is a bit of a trick, what to do with them as you apply the cement and let dry.
After all is smooth and shiny, I then attach Danville black 6/0 with 4 – 5 wraps in the middle, attach a black hen hackle at the butt end with three wraps, and make one wrap. Secure with two turns and complete with 2 – 3 turn whip finish. It’s important to minimize the wraps when attaching the hackle to retain the ant silhouette.
Thanks for your interest! Hope this helps.